Tales of courage and care abound at Neighbourhood Watch Awards
18 November 2023
The annual event acknowledges the contributions of Cape Town’s Neighbourhood Watch (NW) fraternity, as nominated by communities and watch members.
George Kruger of the Victoria Park Neighbourhood Watch walked away with the title of Neighbourhood Watch member of the year.
Kruger received six nominations, all speaking to his care for his community, and involvement in a host of incidents and initiatives from coordinating youth programmes, to animal rescues and assisting with flood and fire responses – over and above his primary role of crime prevention patrols.
Elsabe Peterson of Extreme NW was awarded the 'Inspiration of the Year' award.
Peterson was commended in her nomination for helping ensure safe passage for emergency medical services in the area, as well as school children; assisting fire victims and facilitating a feeding scheme, among others.
'These are but two examples of how Neighbourhood Watches have expanded over time to work towards addressing a range of issues in their communities. They still do the active patrols, but they're also using their structures for the greater good. It also speaks to how the City's partnership with NWs has evolved over time. They really are a critical cog in our response to crime, yes, but also disasters and general community matters,' said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
The annual Neighbourhood Watch Awards consists of 10 categories - six individual, and four team categories.
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS CATEGORIES
NW Member of the Year: George Kruger, Victoria Park NW, Somerset West
A member who upholds, with outstanding achievement, the purpose of safeguarding its members and property.
Organisational Excellence: Allison Williams, Bonteheuwel NW,
For excellence in NW management.
Mobiliser of the Year: Edwin Groenewald, Hillview Guardians NW, Muizenberg
For exceptional efforts to mobilise communities in support of safety.
Inspiration of the Year: Elsabe Peterson, Extreme NW, Delft
NW leader who has displayed inspirational public leadership.
Crime Fighter of the Year: Louise Diener and Jeano Baartman, Victoria Park NW, Somerset West
For exceptional, professional and committed service.
Courage in Action: Neil Jacobus, Chairperson Carola NW, Grassy Park
In recognition of sustained NW operations in the face of highly compromised community safety
GROUP AWARDS CATEGORIES
NW team of the Year: Fernpark NW, Brackenfell
A NW that upholds, with outstanding achievement, the purpose of safeguarding its members and property against crime and other safety concerns.
Situational Crime Prevention Award: Fernpark NW, Brackenfell
In recognition of exceptional efforts towards a clean, healthy and safe environment.
Social Responsibility Award: Extreme NW, Delft
In recognition of a commitment to addressing mitigating and healing social ills, towards healthier, inclusive and united communities.
Courage in Action Award: Edgemead NW, Bothasig
In recognition of sustained NW operations in the face of highly compromised community safety.
'Cape Town's Neighbourhood Watch members sacrifice a lot for the advancement of their communities. We value the partnerships that we have built, and the annual awards ceremony is but a small token of the City's appreciation. Some of our watches operate under extremely difficult conditions, but are not deterred, and we applaud their commitment and dedication. I want to encourage communities to join hands with their local watch, and support the good work that is being done,' added Alderman Smith.
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
